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Oral cancer: epidemiology and risk factors (P2)

Oral cancer: epidemiology and risk factors (P2)

Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 10/10/2023

Some of the risk factors for oral cancer include consumption of snuff, cigars, alcohol, poor oral hygiene and mate consumption, among others.

cancer in the mouth Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACSSurgeon Head and Neck Tumors / Endocrinesurgeon OncologistEtiology and Risk Factors (Part 2)

Tabaco.- The incidence of oral cancer is correlated with the use of snuff:

  • Cigarettes: Oral cancer occurs six to seven times more frequently among cigarette smokers than in nonsmokers. Active smoking is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing a second primary tumor (compared to former smokers or those who have never smoked).
  • Pure: Often misunderstood smoking cigars poses less risk to health than smoking cigarettes. This is not true, according to epidemiological data cigar smoking is what has resulted is a change in the usual location of these tumors.
  • The smokeless snuff: Using smokeless snuff is also associated with a higher incidence of cancer of the oral cavity. Chewing snuff is the leading cause of squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity and oropharynx in India, part of Southeast Asia, China and Taiwan. The smokeless snuff users often develop pre-malignant lesions such as oral leukoplakia. Over time, these lesions may progress to invasive carcinoma.

The alcohol.- Alcohol consumption, by itself, is a risk factor for the development of oral cavity cancer, although it is a less potent carcinogen that snuff. For people who use snuff and alcohol, these risk factors appear to be synergistic and result in an increase in the multiplicative risk (30 to 36 times higher for people who smoke and drink heavily).

Poor oral hygiene and edentulous patients may be risk factors for cancer of the oral cavity. The use of mouthwashes have a high alcohol content could be a risk factor (but not proven).

Matt consumption, a tea drink commonly consumed by South Americans, has been associated with an increased risk of cancer of the oral cavity.

Dieta.- Epidemiological studies suggest that taking vitamin A, β-carotene and α-tocopherol can reduce the risk of developing oral cavity as other sites in the head and neck.

Exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) .- Exposure to UV light is a risk factor for developing lip cancer: 33% of patients with cancer have lip outdoor occupations

Marihuana.- Smoking marijuana has been associated with the development of oral cavity cancer, but the degree of risk is unknown.

Genéticos.- syndromes People with certain syndromes caused by inherited defects (mutations) in certain genes have a very high risk of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx.

Fanconi anemia is a disease that can be caused by inherited defects in several genes that contribute to DNA repair. People with this syndrome often have problems with their blood at an early age, which can lead to leukemia or aplastic anemia. They also have a very high of developing oral cancer risk.

Dyskeratosis congenita is a genetic syndrome that can cause aplastic anemia, skin rashes and nail abnormalities of the hands and feet. They also have a very high of developing oral cancer risk.

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